He is in his ninetieth year, but enjoys the best of health and the possession of a strong active mind. The family is of English origin, and descended from Sir Nicholas Leicester, a knight of the thirteenth century. Upon their emigration to New England early in the eighteenth century, the spelling of the name seems to have been changed from Leicester to Lester, and William, Mr. Lester's grandfather, who served under Colonel Ledyard at Croton Fort, wrote his name in this way.

Though they had but lately left the mother country and were still bound to it by ties of noble blood, the Lesters did not hesitate to embark both their property and their lives in the struggle for American freedom. From fifteen to twenty of the family perished at the capture of Groton Fort. Their martial spirit descended upon the father of Mr. Simeon Lester, and though not in active service he was captain of the Grenadier Company of Norwich, Conn., where the subject of this sketch was born, April 16, 1796.

He spent the early part of his life on his father's place, and became captain of the Norwich Light Infantry Company. In 1820 he married Hannah Maria Brewster, who was born at Preston, Conn., February 6, 1795, and died at her home in New Rochelle June 12, 1865. She was a descendant in the seventh generation of Elder Brewster, who came to this country in the " Mayflower."

Five years after his marriage Mr. Lester, at the suggestion of his brother-in-law, moved with his family from Norwich to New Rochelle, where he purchased the extensive farm, upon which he now resides. The place has become famous as the previous home and property of Thomas Paine, it having been presented to him by the United States government. His grave, the house in which he lived, and the monument raised to his memory are still standing upon it, and have not only, not been mutilated by Mr.